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Lessons from Blogher11

I had an amazing time in San Diego at BlogHer ’11 (thanks to my sponsor, EmpowHER)! After thinking about all the things I wanted to post, I decided to just keep it simple and let you know some key ideas that I learned that go beyond the nuts and bolts of blogging.

1. Do the tequila shot! At least one night commit to NOT being the party pooper.

I ran the BlogHer 5k!

2. Don’t take the first flight home. Give yourself time to rest before jumping back into the “Mom, what’s for dinner” role.3. Tweet away but remember that looking in someone’s eyes when talking to them goes a long way.4. Even if your a Rock Star, Hall of Fame blogger, remember you weren’t always in such high demand. Don’t act like it.5. Sit with people you don’t know. It’s a little daunting but I had some of the best conversations that way. And while you’re at it, try some things you’ve never tried. Like running a 5K!6. Look for the brand managers for the companies you like and talk to them. Seek them out. Don’t just grab the swag from the intern and run.7. Staying at the conference hotel is great but the bonus of not staying there is you actually get to see the city you’re in. And San Diego was beautiful!8. Sit down and have a meal. Mini Jimmy Dean biscuits and Dove bars does not constitute lunch (but they would make a delicious snack right about now).9. Have a goal and a plan for while you’re there but don’t be rigid. Even if you usually aren’t this type of person, just go with the flow.10. Ease into the day. Spending 15 min to check out the schedule, catch up on the news or enjoy the view starts the day off right.11. Sometimes people who seem aloof and distant are just shy. Be friendly to everyone and it is amazing how people open up.

EmpowHER threw a private yacht party

12. Don’t be a swag whore. And don’t “swag and dip” (out the door) either. The Big Toy Book Sweet Suite gave me some great things to bring home to my kids, it was really good because I got one-on-one time with the products and the brands behind them (like KidzVuz).13. Sometimes the private events are just as cool as you think they will be. It pays to make connections prior to going to BlogHer.

Thanks everyone! And @resplendentlife, I did do the tequila shot…first time in my life. Funny I did it in San Diego and not Vegas. 🙂 @inthekitchen, I better see you way before NYC! We had too much fun to not catch up in Atlanta! @Yoly, YES, you too! Thanks!